Stories and Data Combined Stir Sympathy for Tough Cases

Stories and Data Attract Donors to Tough Causes 1

Jae C. Hong/AP Images

“You can’t demonize people once you know their backgrounds,” says the Rev. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries.

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close Stories and Data Attract Donors to Tough Causes 1

Jae C. Hong/AP Images

“You can’t demonize people once you know their backgrounds,” says the Rev. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries.

When Glenn Martin walked out of a New York State prison more than a decade ago after serving a six-year sentence for armed robbery, he was 30 years old and eager to turn his life around.

However, he faced plenty of roadblocks. While he had earned an associate’s degree in prison, his criminal record made it tough to get beyond menial jobs like working as a dishwasher or deliveryman.

“The first three years were extremely hard, and there were so many times when I just